We are heading into another pivotal week of MACtion with each of these teams looking to end their season on a good note. There will be more rivalry games on tap with the battle between the Northern Illinois Huskies and the Eastern Michigan Eagles being one to look out for. We will start there in this week’s MAC rundown as we examine the games and online betting odds.
Northern Illinois Huskies vs Eastern Michigan Eagles
College Football Odds: Eastern Michigan -6
The Huskies were hoping for a far better season as they are currently 0-5. However, they get a chance to end the season with the win as they face off against the 1-4 Eagles. The Huskies were close in a few games but have gotten blown out of the water in others, not having any standout seasons from anyone. For the Eagles, they started the year out 0-4 but were able to claw their way to a victory in their last game and hope to end the season on a two-game winning streak. The Huskies have played well on the offensive side of the ball, but their defense has been so poor that it will make it impossible for them to pull out a victory in this game. With both teams not being that great, take the Eagles.
Pick: Eastern Michigan -6
Ohio Bobcats vs Kent State Golden Flashes (Canceled)
College Football Odds: Kent State -4.5
The 2-1 Ohio Bobcats will be taking on the 3-1 Kent State Golden Flashes. Ohio has won two straight while Kent State hopes to extend its home winning streak to four games. Ohio has upped its game behind stellar play from running backs, who are averaging a whopping 216 yards per game. De’Montre Tuggle has the most total rushing yards with 403 to go along with six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Kent State is led by quarterback Dustin Crum, who has thrown for 1,181 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Kent State has had more time to prepare for this matchup than Ohio. It also helps their case that the Bobcats are the overall more talented team. Kent State should be able to win this game and end the year 4-1.
Pick: Kent State -4.5
Miami-OH RedHawks vs Bowling Green Falcons
College Football Odds: Miami-OH -24
The Miami-Ohio RedHawks have been playing solid football despite playing fewer games than most of the conference, having a game rescheduled then another game canceled. Nonetheless, they are sitting at 2-1 and have had solid seasons from multiple players. They don’t have any stats that jump off the page, but they are an all-around solid team. The same can’t be said for the Bowling Green Falcons, which is 0-5. The Falcons were blown out by the Akron Zips in their last game 31-3. The Red Hawks are the clear favorites due to the struggles Bowling Green has gone through. Expect Miami-OH to extend the Falcons’ losing streak to six and win this game handily.
Pick: Miami-OH -24
Western Michigan Broncos vs Ball State Cardinals
College Football Odds: Ball State -2.5
Each of these teams sit at 4-1. Western Michigan has been led by quarterback Kaleb Eleby, who has thrown for 1,426 yards, 16 touchdowns with only one interception. The Broncos have talent at every single position, much like their opponent this week, the Ball State Cardinals. They just picked up their fourth win in a row with a 45-20 victory over Central Michigan last week. They have also gotten great performances out of their quarterback Drew Plitt, as he has thrown for 1,425 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions. This game might be the best of the bunch with a winner likely being determined as time expires. Look for Western Michigan to bounce back in a big way and rally for a victory behind Eleby.
Pick: Western Michigan +2.5
Akron Zips vs Buffalo Bulls
College Football Odds: Buffalo -32
The Akron Zips sit at 1-4 and hope to end the season with back-to-back victories. However, they haven’t won a game on the road since 2018. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bulls are 4-0 and look like the best team in the conference. Akron has struggled in the passing game with their quarterback throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. Their rushing attack is what has kept them alive, averaging more than 150 yards per game. Their defense has struggled and that will definitely be taken advantage of when they visit Buffalo. The Bulls are clicking on both offense and defense and look exceptional. It also helps that they have had an extra week to prepare for this matchup. The spread might be large, but Buffalo should be able to cover it.
Pick: Buffalo -32
Central Michigan Chippewas vs Toledo Rockets
NCAA Odds: Toledo -11.5
Both teams enter 3-2. The Central Michigan Chippewas are currently 1-2 in their past three matchups. Central Michigan has gotten terrific success on the offensive side of the ball, crossing 30 points in four out of their last five games. The Rockets have done better, surpassing 38 points in four of their last five matchups. This game will be flipping back and forth throughout and expect a high-scoring affair. Ultimately, the Rockets are the better team and have been more explosive as of late, they should be able to cover the spread, but it will be close.
Sportsbook Pick: Toledo -11.5
